The prudent manager will consider the number of her guests, and consult their appetites, rather than feast their eyes; thus will she be enabled to entertain them much oftener, and much better, at the same expense.
It is well understood that the mistress of a family should have, at least, a competent knowledge in the art of carving, not only as it enables her to do the honours of the table with propriety, but with a view to frugality also; and if the young ladies of a family were to practise, under the direction of their mother, when there is no company, they would, in time, become quite au fait to this graceful and elegant accomplishment; as much practice is required to make a good carver, even when the theory has been previously acquired. (See Instructions for Carving, under the head [housekeeper].)
An esteemed writer of the present day, has introduced to public view, a pleasing picture of a small and well-regulated family, of which the following is a slight sketch:—
“The mistress of the family is a good manager, without any ostentatious display of it.—Elegantly nice, without being a slave to dress or furniture—Easy and affable with her servants, but firm in her commands,—every one appearing to be contented and happy.—The household business going on regularly, like a good clock;—and every thing being kept in its proper place. No scolding in the kitchen or servants’-hall.—The table plentifully covered, but not with incitements to luxury; the food plain and in season, and sent up well dressed;—with a few well chosen luxuries introduced, when company is asked.”
Ladies, whose minds are framed for the practical enjoyment of domestic comforts, will admire and copy this beautiful picture!
ADVICE
TO SERVANTS IN GENERAL.
The supreme Lord of the universe has, in his wisdom, rendered the various conditions of mankind necessary to our individual happiness:—some are rich, others poor—some are masters, and others servants.—Subordination, indeed, attaches to your rank in life, but not disgrace. All men are servants in different degrees. The nobles and ministers of state are subservient to the king, and the king himself is the servant of the nation, and is wisely submissive to its laws. It manifests a divine superintendance, that civil society should thus be composed of subordinate and superior classes. By this wise arrangement, all may enjoy an equal share of real happiness, while each possesses a due opportunity to communicate and to receive the various benefits and kindnesses of human life. Every wise and good person will therefore enquire, what are the special duties of his or her station; with a steady purpose, by the assistance of God, to discharge them faithfully; and those are the most worthy characters who best perform the various duties incumbent on them, in that state of life unto which it has pleased God to call them. Perhaps, there is not a more useful,—a more numerous,—nor a more indispensably necessary description of persons in society, than those who are denominated Servants; and so entirely dependent are mankind on each other, that it may truly be said of these, in relation of the social system, as Pope has said of the several parts of nature in relation to the universe; that
“—from this chain whatever link you strike,